A Contemporary Coastal Transformation
Studio Arkell is a design-led architectural practice based in Christchurch, Dorset. We work with homeowners, developers, and commercial clients across the South Coast to create spaces that are thoughtful, considered, and genuinely suited to the people who use them.
Every project starts with listening. We take the time to understand how you live, how you work, and what you want to achieve, then bring that understanding into every design decision. The result is architecture that feels like it belongs: to its site, to its context, and to you.
We are a RIBA-chartered practice led by architect Hannah Arkell, offering architectural, interior, and landscape design services across Dorset, Hampshire, and the wider South Coast. Whether you are planning an extension, a new build, or a more complex heritage project, we want to hear about it.
Get in touch to arrange a free initial consultation.
Built with
We can also assist with interiors specifications — for example, kitchen layouts, bespoke joinery, finishes, and fittings.
We can prepare a tailored quote based on the level of detail and input you’d like from us. The more information we specify upfront together, the smoother the build process will be, and the more accurate your contractor’s costings will be, helping to avoid unexpected costs.
This scope would be agreed under a fixed fee.
If the proposed scheme is particularly large, complex, or potentially contentious, we may recommend submitting a pre-application enquiry to the local planning authority before proceeding with a full planning application. This can help clarify requirements, identify potential issues early, and improve the chances of a successful outcome.
This scope would be agreed under a fixed fee.
After planning approval, the final stage is Technical Design, where we create detailed Building Regulation Drawings (BREGs).
A few important notes:
You’ll need Building Control sign-off for the build. This can be done through the local authority or privately, with fees paid directly to Building Control.
We can introduce you to trusted local structural engineers, or we’re happy to collaborate with any chartered engineer of your choice. Their fees are separate and payable directly to them.
We can also introduce you to reputable builders we regularly work with, if needed.
Our fees are split into two payments: 50% upon instruction and 50% upon issue of the drawings to Building Control.
Once you’re happy with the proposed design, we’ll prepare your planning application pack.
A typical planning submission includes:
Location & Block Plan
Existing Plans & Elevations
Proposed Plans & Elevations (including coloured elevations)
Proposed Site Plan
Design & Access Statement
We’ll handle the submission on your behalf and liaise with the council throughout, keeping you updated every step of the way.
Our fees are split into two payments: 50% upon instruction and 50% upon submission of the application.
This is the exciting part — shaping a design that’s perfectly suited to you.
After our initial consultation, we’ve prepared a brief and a list of drawing deliverables. Here’s how this stage works: We start with a site survey to produce accurate existing plans and elevations. We then develop proposed design drawings based on the agreed brief. Once ready, we’ll invite you to our office for a design review. We’ll refine the design based on your feedback and issue a final drawing pack for you to sign off. Our fees are split into two payments: 50% upon instruction and 50% upon issue of the drawings.
